Everything you need to know about MOT changes coming in May 2018

Updates to the way MOTs are carried out are to be implemented later this year

Everything you need to know about MOT changes coming in May 2018
The European Union Roadworthiness Package is made up of three directives and the part that affects the MOT test is the Periodic Technical Inspection Directive. Image: Bigstock.

Changes to the MOT test are to be made next year as part of the European Union Roadworthiness Package.

The directive is a broad set of rules to govern the condition of road-going vehicles and the majority of MOT changes are set to happen in May 2018.

Changes to domestic legislation to enable the directive changes to take place were completed earlier this year.

Classic car MOTs

As a result of a consultation on classic car MOTs, unmodified vehicles over forty-years-old will be MOT exempt from May 2018 on a rolling basis.

The change comes despite on opposition of 1,130 consultation respondents compared to just 899 who supported the plans.

MOT defect categories

From May 20, 2018 vehicle defects will be categorised as either ‘dangerous’, ‘major’ or ‘minor’.

‘Dangerous’ and ‘major’ defects will result in a fail, while ‘minors’ can be considered similar to what is currently known as advisories.

Commenting on the Matters of Testing blog, the DVSA’s Simon Smith said: “We’re still working on how we’ll make this look for drivers, but we want to make sure that the dangerous defects stand out on the documentation.

“This is to make it clear to them that they shouldn’t drive the vehicle away in that condition.”

Vehicle observations

The DVSA is considering ways of allowing observations to be noted during the test.

For example a an undertray may stop the tester from getting to the parts they would otherwise inspect.

Simon said: “This could be useful information to have noted for an MOT appeal, but it wouldn’t appear on the notes given to the car drivers, because it’s not information aimed at them.”

The DVSA is also considering if manual advisories should be replaced with “easy-to-find” test-related and other standard advisories.

Further details about the new categories are expected to be released in the coming months.

Emissions testing

The smoke test limit for Euro 6 and some Euro 5 diesels is to be halved in May.

The DVSA has said it is currently working with garage equipment manufacturers as the lowered limits will see changes to diesel smoke meter settings or software – the agency has said it will give test stations at least six months “to schedule this work in”.

Changes designed to make it easier for testers to detect vehicles with failing or removed DPFs are also expected to be introduced next year.

However, the DfT and DVSA is yet to confirm exactly how the test will be made easier to detect failed or removed DPFs.

Related: MOT DPF changes now expected in May 2018

VTS council members have been leaving feedback on an early version of a new inspection manual and a revised version will be published in the coming months.

The directive will require the DVSA to move to the standard EU vehicle categories, from vehicle approval through to on road use.

The agency has said it will keep MOT classes for garage authorisations “for now”.

What do you make of the changes? The DVSA is seeking your feedback. Please share your comments and any concerns in the comments below.

Home Page Forums Everything you need to know about MOT changes coming in May 2018

Viewing 11 posts - 1 through 11 (of 11 total)
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  • #152413 Reply

    Changes to the MOT test are to be made next year as part of the European Union Roadworthiness Package. The directive is a broad set of rules to govern
    [See the full post at: Everything you need to know about MOT changes coming in May 2018]

    #152414 Reply
    Lee Taylor
    Guest

    Great Update and Thanks. Will be interesting to see the impact of these changes. Very synical, but it feels like 4 year 1st MOTs are just around the corner once these changes lessen the impact of lost revenues for the industry….

    #152415 Reply
    Steve
    Guest

    We need to have more info about tyres on the mot test
    Make of tyre
    Size of tyre
    Position on vehicle

    #152416 Reply
    simon fox
    Guest

    Cars need and MOT after 18 MONTHS or say 20,000 miles!
    We have become a fitting center for a number of tyre company’s in order to up the foot fall. We have seen a large increase in customers, who are all bargain hunters and never want any extras which includes even basic servicing. THE SHOCK IS MOST THESE VEHICLES WHICH WE ARE “HEALTH CHECKING” WOULD NOT PASS AN MOT!! All these people buy tyres because they have to, many come in well below the limit. The majority of cars have faults that we try to up sell but none of these bargain hunters are willing to have any work done. A lot have minor issues such lights out, wipers split etc, some have serious ball joint wear and tyre bulges!!!

    #152417 Reply
    Peter Fox
    Guest

    My understanding is that this is all part of a bigger picture.
    To do with Vosa and dvsa agreeing to level the playing field between heavy and light vehicle testing, and then subsequently allowing private have test centres without Vosa testers.

    #152418 Reply
    Steve
    Guest

    I own a Morris 1000 that has modified front brakes (discs and pads)
    will it need a MOT

    #152419 Reply
    Eric Roberts
    Guest

    Hi I am also disappointed about the lack of any tyre updates. In my opinion the tyre part of the test has not kept up to the times and should be modified?

    #152420 Reply
    Steve
    Guest

    I was told by DVSA (VOSA) that if we advise under tray fitted it gives the owner the chance that maybe they should have it removed at a later date to inspect brake pipes ect. Who is simon !!

    #152421 Reply
    Paul
    Guest

    I am surprised by the comment’s made by SF within this thread. Cars do not need MOTing every 18 months, the only person who would say this is a sales driven company eager to extract cash from the already hard hit motorist. After seeing your comments I can see the type of garage you work for / Run, the type that unless the part is brand new it needs changing its not about safety to you its about cash pure and simple.

    #152422 Reply
    Andrew Smith
    Guest

    Telling us there are going to be changes is one thing BUT defining the changes would give us a better Idea as to what to expect , tell us what The MOT tester will be looking for PLEASE

    #152595 Reply
    Phil Gavin
    Guest

    Not suprised that someone from a “fast fit” centre doesnt like these changes. I worked at one when I was on Holiday from uni, Up selling is the only way they can earn money!

Viewing 11 posts - 1 through 11 (of 11 total)

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